Vehicle insurance verification system now in use

A new computer verification system intended to make sure vehicles have liability insurance in place at the time they’re registered or renewed went into effect Jan. 2. But there are some issues to be worked out.

Flathead County Treasurer Adele Krantz said clerks in her department will ask a person for a proof of insurance card if the computer system doesn’t show their vehicle is insured. If the person doesn’t have a card, clerks will go ahead and complete the transaction but advise the person they may not be successful next time.

“We will also tell them to contact their insurance company and tell them their insurance didn’t show up in the Department of Justice motor vehicle system,” Krantz said. “It would be a good habit for customers to bring in their insurance cards just to be sure for future years.”

The Montana Highway Patrol began using the system in May 2012, and county treasurers across Montana gained access to the system in September for a trial run. The Legislature established the system in 2009 but delayed implementation with the state’s county treasurers until 2013.

Customers should not see a change and can continue to renew by mail or online. Customers who go to the treasurer’s office in person are not required to bring a proof of insurance card. Issues that need to be worked out include insurance policies that originated outside Montana and commercially-insured vehicles.